New Delhi, December 27, 2025: Aga Khan Agency for Habitat (AKAH) India has opened a new Biodiversity Park in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, marking a significant step towards restoring native biodiversity and strengthening urban climate resilience in the Marathwada region of Maharashtra.
Developed along the Kham River, the Biodiversity Park is part of AKAH India’s urban riverfront rejuvenation and ecological restoration initiative. The project has been implemented in collaboration with the Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar Municipal Corporation, with support from the Prince Sadruddin Aga Khan Fund for the Environment (PSAKFE).
Spanning approximately 190,000 sq. ft., the park is designed to improve the urban microclimate, demonstrate sustainable water and sanitation practices, and reconnect citizens with the Kham River and the region’s local ecology. Key features include large-scale plantations of native, medicinal, ornamental and bamboo species; butterfly and medicinal gardens; eco-friendly pathways with solar lighting; bamboo gazebos; bio-toilets; interpretive learning spaces; and a biodiversity pond that supports aquatic life and natural water filtration.
The park also houses a Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) with a capacity of 59 kilolitres per day, designed on the principles of circular ecology. The STP treats sewage water drawn daily from the Kham River, with the recycled water reused for irrigating the Biodiversity Park.
As part of the plantation effort, the park includes 1,067 saplings of native species, 42 varieties of medicinal plants, 1,072 ornamental plants, and 600 bamboo saplings. These species were selected for drought tolerance, suitability to semi-arid conditions, pollination support, carbon sequestration and soil stabilisation.
Another key feature is the artificial pond, which supports aquatic flora and fauna, acts as a natural filtration system for surface runoff, and contributes to rainwater retention and groundwater recharge. A dedicated Bird Park is also being incubated as a specialised habitat zone to support resident and migratory bird species and serve as a learning space for citizens and students.
“For years, this land was known only for waste and neglect. Today, it tells a different story. What you see here reflects the steady work of the municipal team, sanitation workers, and Aga Khan Agency for Habitat India — turning a forgotten space into something clean, usable, and meaningful for the city and its people”, said G Shrikant, Commissioner, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar Municipal Corporation.
Prerana Langa, CEO, Aga Khan Agency for Habitat India, said, “Urban biodiversity parks like this are not aesthetic add-ons—they are essential climate infrastructure. By restoring native ecosystems along the Kham River, we are improving the city’s microclimate, strengthening water systems, and creating inclusive public spaces where communities can reconnect with nature. This park reflects our belief that climate resilience must be grounded in ecology, community engagement, and long-term stewardship of natural resources, especially in climate-vulnerable regions like Marathwada.”
AKAH India’s intervention in Marathwada responds to rising urban heat, pollution and biodiversity loss, offering a replicable model for climate-resilient urban green spaces in India’s rapidly growing cities. The inauguration was attended by senior officials of the Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar Municipal Corporation, including Dr Vijay Patil, Deputy Commissioner (Garden), Nandkishor Bhombe, Deputy Commissioner (Waste Management), Ravindra Jogdand, Deputy Commissioner (Smart City), Sanjay Suradkar, Assistant Commissioner, and Savita Sonawane, Assistant Commissioner and Ward Officer.
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